Country Reports

Czech Republic Country Report

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Risk Level

Low

Moderate

Elevated

High

Very High

Severe

Extreme

Overview

Executive Summary

The October 2017 parliamentary election resulted in a plurality for the ANO party, paving the way for an ANO-led government. Such a government – likely to be in place by March 2018 – would be likely to promote fiscally responsible, investment-friendly, yet Eurosceptic policies. Eurozone-related structural reforms will represent the foremost challenge, although accession into the single-currency bloc is unlikely before 2022. The economic outlook for 2018 looks positive. Security-wise, far-right activities will continue to pose injury risk to the Roma and refugees of different ethnicities. Strikes are rare, but large and peaceful demonstrations against the president, corruption and pro/anti-refugee rallies are likely in Prague and Brno occasionally. Terrorism risk is likelyto remain moderate.

Last update: March 27, 2018

Operational Outlook

The Czech Republic's strategic location close to some of Europe's largest markets (particularly Germany), low labour costs, and investment-friendly legislative framework benefit the operational environment. Transport infrastructure has markedly improved over the past few years, with further improvement planned, partly thanks to the EU Structural Funds. However, corruption during tender process, petty bribery in public administration, and uncompleted infrastructure will continue to pose obstacles. Moreover, red tape and arbitrary bureaucracy are likely to be encountered in the course of dealings with local or regional government officialdom. Trade unions are generally weak, and long and disruptive labour unrest remains rare.

Last update: March 27, 2018

Terrorism

Moderate

The Czech interior ministry increased the country's terrorism level to the first degree in wake of the wave of attacks across Europe during 2016. However, the risk of terrorist attacks staged by Islamist militants is lower than in Western Europe. The country's small Muslim community is well-integrated, and although the country supports US foreign policy and missions, it is unlikely to become a prime target (when compared with France, United Kingdom, or the US). Isolated motivations and works of lone individuals would be more probable. Should an attack take place, the capital Prague's government premises, foreign embassies, and Jewish quarters would be at the highest risk.

Last update: March 27, 2018

War Risks

Low

It is highly unlikely that the Czech Republic would become involved in an interstate military conflict. The country pursues positive relations with its regional neighbours, as well as Russia and the United States. Although some bilateral disputes are present (for instance, the country's ties with Austria and Germany tend to flare up over the issue of the Beneš decrees and the nuclear power plant in Temelín), these are highly unlikely to result in an armed conflict. The Czech Republic is an EU and NATO member, and belong to the regional Visegrad Four (V4) organisation alongside Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia, mitigating the risk further.

Last update: March 27, 2018

Social Stability

Moderate

The protest risks primarily stem from far-right groups that tend to organise small-scale, but frequent rallies against the government's immigration policy and Roma communities, as well as counter-rallies against LGBT pride marches. The risk of anti-refugee demonstrations is likely to remain elevated. Violence and property damage risks, particularly vandalism, are probable during these protests. Political protests are most probable during national holidays and anniversaries, affecting mainly Prague, but these are unlikely to be violent. Environmental activism tends to focus mainly on the nuclear power plants in Temelín and Dukovany and less frequently against the Czech energy provider CEZ.

Last update: March 27, 2018

Health Risk

Moderate

Vaccinations required to enter the country

No vaccinations are required to enter the country.

Routine Vaccinations

Hepatitis A: A vaccine is available for anyone over one year of age. The vaccine may not be effective for certain people, e.g. those born before 1945 and who lived as a child in a developing country and/or have a past history of jaundice (icterus). These people can instead get a shot of immune globulin (IG) to boost their immunity against the disease.

Hepatitis B: A vaccine is available for children at least two months old.

Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio: A booster shot should be administered if necessary (once every ten years).

Other Vaccinations

Tick-Borne Encephalitis: For stays in rural zones and for hiking enthusiasts (for children over the age of one).

For Children: All standard childhood immunizations should be up-to-date. In the case of a long stay, the BCG vaccine is recommended for children over one month and the MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) vaccine for children over nine months.

Last update: November 28, 2013

Practical Information

Climate

The Czech Republic has a continental climate, with hot summers and long, cold, even harsh winters. Temperatures range from 18°C to 26°C in the summer (June to September) and from -3°C to 0°C in the winter (October to March). Temperatures will also vary in mountainous regions where winters are very rainy and snowy. It rains regularly throughout the year.

Useful Numbers

Country Code:

+420

Police:

158

Fire Dept.:

150

Ambulance:

155

Electricity

Voltage: 230 V ~ 50 Hz

Outlets:

Last update: November 21, 2013

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